Church

Church ward lies in the heart of Reading's historic core, directly south of the town centre and bounded by the River Kennet to the south. The area is characterised by a dense mix of commercial and residential buildings, with many structures dating from the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Its primary thoroughfare is Friar Street, which hosts a concentration of businesses and leads towards the older civic and religious landmarks. The ward's geography is largely defined by its proximity to the waterways that powered Reading's early industrial growth.

A central feature is the extensive ruins of Reading Abbey, founded in 1121, which dominate the Forbury Gardens area. The ward contains the town's main courts and the historic Town Hall, reflecting its long-standing administrative function. Narrow lanes and former coaching inns, such as The George, hint at its past as a major transport hub. The area remains a focal point for legal services, local government, and civic events, with a significant weekday working population.